It is always wonderful to hear about opposing players and fans that join the LDS
church. However, once they are members, BYU should become the primary school
they support and root for, above all other schools.

There is much I could write that others have already said, but the one thing
that nobody has mentioned that really touched me was that Mitch's parents
came to his baptism. We hear so much about parents who disown their kids for
joining the church. I have never understood how a parent could do that and I
half expected that to be the case here with his parents being so anti-LDS.
However, as Mitch said, "THE LOVE OF A PARENT". Yes, I have to say they
were misguided for openly shunning their LDS neighbors. That is a little over
the top but they are obviously good, sincere people. It must have been very
difficult for them but they love and support their son. Family first!

I wonder if he plays church balls with his former utes players team agaisnt our
former cougar players? Will Mitch would get his red blood against us? That would
be cool what he could do or he woud be too light against our former cougar
friends. Jeff Chatman and Josh Grant would love that. What do you think? I think
Cindy would love that. You might want Jeff R. Holland to be the reffing.

donn. Thanks for sharing your story too. I read the Book of Mormon
almost every day and cannot figure out how anyone who reads and studies it like
I do can come to any conclusion other than of its veracity and divine origins.
Do you honestly believe that Joseph Smith could have made up the book? Or do
you honestly believe Satan would do such a wonderful work in the earth in
teaching true principles that advocate our becoming like Jesus Christ? I doubt
that you would share the truth to theses questions with readers. Also, how many
years before your defection did you quit reading, pondering, and praying about
the Book of Mormon? I know that if you returned to doing just as Moroni, the
prophet, promised, your testimony can return stronger than ever before. By the
way, are you aware that the Book of Mormon supports the Bible and that the Bible
supports the Book of Mormon? It takes effort and sincerity, and that's why
the Church continues to grow.

RE: Cinci man,I know that if you returned to doing just as Moroni, the prophet,
promised, your testimony can return stronger than ever before.

Moroni
10:34. Jehovah The Eternal Judge. Also From LDS revelation, we learn that
Jehovah is the English form of the actual name by which the Lord Jesus was known
ANCIETLY (D&C 110:3 ,Jehovah appears to JS, Abraham 2:8,My is name is
Jehovah) 788 Mormon Doctrine. s/b YHWH, JS was unaware of the poor KJV
translation of the Personal name of God(LORD)YHWH.

The spelling
Jehovah appeared first during the 1762-1769 editing of the KJV Bible. The
transcription Jehovah is nothing but a misunderstanding by Christian translators
of Jewish reading traditions

I stand here in total shock that JS translated the Book of
Mormon into English. I never would have imagined that. But I am not surprised
that you could not answer my questions. I hope it works out for you. Even with
all that you say against the Savior and His chosen prophets, the atonement will
always be there for you. And you are welcome back any time and I would be the
first to humbly welcome you with open arms. I met a man on my mission who left
the Church under circumstances similar to yours. That was many years ago and he
found his way back when he returned to principles taught by Moroni and other
Book of Mormon and Bible prophets. Mitch and Cindy show a great example of just
how the gospel and the Savior of the world can work for you. Best wishes
always.

TO: Cinci Man, I stand here in total shock that JS translated the Book of Mormon
into English? Not my point. "From LDS revelation”, we learn that
Jehovah is the English form of the actual name by which the Lord Jesus was known
ANCIETLY) 788 Mormon Doctrine.Wrong, s/b YHWH.

I love uplifting conversion stories like this one of Mitch Smith. It helps
strengthen my testimony. It shows how people were placed in his life for a
reason, especially Coach LA. Everything happenes for a reason. And we have to
continually "water" our testimonies as it is a process in keeping them
strong.

Cinci Man,"Jehovah is the English form of the actual name by which the Lord
Jesus was known ANCIETLY “wrong,. The spelling Jehovah appeared
first during the 1762-1769 editing of the KJV Bible. The transcription Jehovah
is nothing but a misunderstanding by Christian translators of Jewish reading
traditions." JS saw the KJV not Jesus.

Mt 6:13 KJV and 3Nephi 13:13 Both have the
doxology, For thine is he Kingdom and power and the glory forever amen. The KJV
is based on 9th to 12th century texts. Earlier and better manuscripts do not
contain the doxology. Only One example.

In response
to Redweek: This was a great article, and it sounds like Mitch Smith was and is
a great guy. But I would be shocked beyond belief if a coach were to say that he
would prefer a player on an opposing team to the one on his team."

Article quote: “We didn’t know why we hated them
('Mormons')— we just did, and that’s how it was. I grew up
persecuting them a bit.”

Sadly, this happens far, far too
much.

I will say that one of the MOST pleasant and eye-opening
experiences on my mission (Bible Belt....south Lousiana, south Mississippi and
south Alabama....that's as 'Deep South' as you can get) was in
personally meeting hundreds and HUNDREDS of good, God-fearing, Christians who
were not members of the LDS faith.

Good people and I love them even
today, despite the fact that I've been home for over 20 years.